Here at HBB we hold regular New Skater Intake Programmes so you'll be starting out in this new sport together with a group of people on the same level. These Programmes begin every few months so keep the site or  Facebook for news on when the next Intake will start. 

 

To begin with you'll be invited to join our Thursday training session where members of the Bruising Banditas team will take you through all the skills you need to play in games. For more information on the sessions head over to our Facebook group 'So You Want To Be A Bandita?' To start your roller derby adventure just drop us an email at enquiries@bruisingbanditas.com or via our 'So You Want To Be A Bandita?' Facebook group and we'll get you started.

 

It doesn't matter how skilled you are, you'll be welcome to train with us and learn the sport. Thursdays are training sessions for the Banditas team as well so you'll have team members around to help you learn and inspire you on track. Please read the rest of this page to get fully informed and drop us a line to let us know you want to come along.

 

Have a peak at this WFTDA video to get a run down of the sport!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How do I join?

The best way to contact us is through our Facebook group 'So You Want To Be A Bandita?' We post regular updates there so drop us a message via the group or send us an e-mail at enquiries@bruisingbanditas.com or using the form at the bottom of the page. 

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Where do we train?

We currently train twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. 

 

Thursday: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Threeways Sports Centre
Nursery Lane
Halifax
HX3 5SW

MAP

 

Sunday: 11:00am- 2:00pm

Threeways Sports Centre
Nursery Lane
Halifax
HX3 5SW

MAP

 

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What do I need to bring?

For your first session all you need to bring is yourself, some suitable clothes and a bottle of water. When you sign up you'll receive a starter pack that will give you some information you'll find useful as you start you roller derby journey. We run the New Skater Intake as 3 stages made up of 6 weekly sessions. Each stage costs £25 and we have skates and protective equipment you can hire from us until you get your own. Once you pass your minimum skills assessment and become a fully fledged Bandita you'll get your bout top and start to pay dues (£35 per month). Until then start thinking of a derby name and practice those plough stops!

 

Do I need any experience?

Nope! Some of our skaters could barely stand up when they first started, now they are flying around the track backwards, forwards and even on one foot! You will be taught everything from how to skate properly to how to fall properly. As long as you're over 18, all you need is a bit of determination and the willingness to learn!

 

We are a UKRDA affiliated roller derby team so we can only accept new players who are happy to identify as female (regardless of pronouns) BUT if you want to referee we will teach you whatever your gender! If you identify as male and want to play the game we recommend getting in touch with our Halifax brothers The Skateful Dead or the Leeds team or Oldham team.

 

The Banditas are a UKRDA affiliated team so we abide by the UKRDA Transgender Policy, (which includes a section on intersex, genderqueer, genderfluid, genderneutral or bigendered skaters) please feel free to read it and email us if you have any concerns.

 

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What if I don't like the idea of contact?

Become a Referee! If being knocked around doesn't appeal to you, we're always looking for refs of any gender for our league. Referees skate right in the middle of the action without suffering the contact. If you love to skate, can get your head around the rules and like to be in charge then being a ref could be for you! You get your own uniform (the rather fetching black and white zebra stripes) and can even pick a derby name and number if you want to. Plus once you've become a fully fledged skating referee every training session you come to is free!

 

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What if I don't want to skate?

Become an NSO! If you really love the idea of Roller Derby but the thought of strapping on a pair of skates makes you break out in a nervous rash, maybe you are destined to be an NSO. An NSO (or Non Skating Official) is someone who is in charge of a certain aspect of the game; from operating the scoreboard to timing the penalties, there are lots of jobs available for anyone to enjoy. Come along to our training sessions for free, learn the game and get to know us. NSOs even get to pick their own derby names too!

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What if I want to do something else?

Become a Volunteer! We are an amateur club who put our own time and energy into making our league great. We love the DIY spirit of roller derby and if you do too there are plenty of ways you can help us out.

 

If you're the super organised type you could become our bout manager. Each bout takes a huge amount of planning and the bout manager is the person on the day of the game who knows when and where everything and everyone should be. From making sure there are enough tables for stall holders to ensuring each team gets on track at the right time the bout manager is the one that makes it all run smoothly. They are invaluable and will certainly be owed more than one drink at the afterparty for their trouble!

 

If you are one of those people that could sell ice to a polar bear then perhaps your place is on our stalls. Every bout we play, we have our own merchandise stall that is always in need of some great Delboy types preside over. Or if you’re the next Mary Berry then we’re always looking for help on our food stall. There really is something for everyone, plus you'll get into our bouts for free!

 

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If none of that grabs your fancy then we would love to have you as a fan! We wouldn't be able to do what we do without our fans and even though we may be a small team we are mighty! More than once has our vocal fanbase out cheered the masses of opposition fans and we'd love for you to add your voice. Fans are more than welcome to bout afterparties, in fact you are actively invited! We really enjoy hanging out with the Bandita fans and we really appreciate all the support we get.

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#aveit